Ukraine has joined the European mechanism for medical procurement.

The Minister of Health Viktor Lyashko signed a protocol on Ukraine's accession to the Agreement on Joint Procurement of Medical Protection Measures during the Ukraine-EU Association Council meeting in Brussels.

According to this document, Ukraine will have the opportunity to participate in the EU contracts for joint procurement of medical equipment and services. This was reported by a correspondent of Ukrinform, citing diplomatic sources.

'The Agreement on Joint Procurement of Medical Protection Measures, the form of which was approved in 2014 in fulfillment of EU acts on serious cross-border health threats, provides for the possibility for the contracting parties to procure medical countermeasures through the conclusion of contracts based on joint procurement procedures under framework agreements and on favorable terms. Ukraine's participation in this agreement will have a significant positive effect, especially in the context of global health threats, such as pandemics,' the clarification states.

This agreement will allow Ukraine to carry out medical procurements at more favorable prices while cooperating with other countries.

Moreover, this agreement will also ensure a stable supply of critically important resources, even in crisis situations when national markets may be restricted or overloaded.

Equally important is better coordination between Ukraine and the EU on health issues, which will promote Ukraine's integration into the European health security system.